Teddy Bears & P.I.'s

Edward was the most nervous he'd ever been, at least, that he could remember. He changed his shirt four times in anticipation of this event. At last he was satisfied with the one he'd chosen. However, that didn't stop his hands from shaking at he worked the buttons into place.

He paused at the front door, after having downed an entire bottle of water in the kitchen just moments before. "Here goes nothing" he muttered. Edward touched the knob on hesitated. Am I ready for this? I guess I kind of have to be. Gripping it a bit too hard, he turned and yanked open the door and stepped out into the morning sun.

Birds greeted him with song as he made his way to his newly purchased BMW. He looked up and smiled at the songstress before pulling open the door and slipping into the leather bucket seat.

Edward had been so pleased when the doctor had cleared him to drive once more. He loved his new vehicle. Cars, well, luxury cars had always been his passion. Of course, he didn't tinker with engines, but he could appreciate the purr of a cherry red Porsche, careening around a sharp turn.

He grinned like an idiot as he pulled out onto the road that led out of town. Yes, driving was a sure fire way to calm his nerves. So he cranked his favorite XM station as he pushed the car just a bit faster towards his destination.

The drive was peaceful, and gave him time to think about what might happen today. This encounter could go really well or turn out horribly. He was hoping for the former. Before he knew it, the navigation system was telling him his destination was on the right. He swallowed thickly and let out a long breath as he turned into the driveway.

The home was modest, but well taken care of. Canary yellow in color, it certainly gave off a cheerful vibe. The lawn was well maintained, and definitely helped the property value. Rose bushes were strategically placed on either side of the front door. Blooms were all over them, glittering from the fresh dew that still rested there. It gave them the appearance of tiny snowflakes in a sea of green.

Pulling to a stop on the parking pad, he glanced in the mirror. "You can do this" he told his reflection. After making sure his hair was in place, he quickly snatched up the little teddy bear he'd bought yesterday.

Edward strode up to the door with as much confidence as he could manage and rang the bell. He put his hands behind his back as he waited. Finally, after waiting for what seemed like hours, he heard the lock click on the opposite side of the dark wood.

His heart stopped at the sight before him. There she was; a vision in a red summer dress that hugged her gentle curves. In her arms she carried the symbol of their ill-fated love affair. Edward was awestruck as the little boy, a startling version of himself, stared at him with wonder in his blue eyes. The eyes he was given by his mother.

Linda broke the silence with a clearing of her throat. "Please, come in Edward." He simply nodded and followed after her, stepping into what he could only describe as a wonderful dream. Walking around, he entered the living room, which seemed to welcome him as if he'd lived there his whole life. The smell of roses permeated the air and there were fresh scones and fruit set out on a tray that had been placed on the coffee table by loving hands.

"Bear!" a tiny voice shouted. Edward turned around in shock. His son held out his chubby hands, reaching for the snuggly object in his father's hand. He looked down, having completely forgotten about the present, and then offered it to his little copy. "Here you go." Edward croaked out. Grasping the soft animal, the boy grinned up at Edward. "Bear!" he said again as he cuddled it and ran over to the sofa.

Linda gestured for Edward to sit on the opposite sofa, which he did, immediately settling himself in the spot. She sat down next to their child and poured them all a glass of lemonade. Looking at their son happily, she spoke tenderly. "What a nice bear. Edward, can you thank mommy's friend?" she cooed.

Edward's eyes widened at her statement. He swallowed back the lump in his throat. "You named him after me?" She simply nodded with a smile. Then little Edward came running up to his daddy and gave him a small hug. "You're welcome, little guy." He whispered to his son.

Linda set out some toys for him in the corner and he played quietly, snuggling with the bear every chance he got.

"He really loves that. Thank you for bringing it."

"It's my pleasure, really. I just wanted him to have something that I actually gave to him."

"I understand." She sipped her lemonade while her love looked on.

"I remember us." He blurted out before he could stop himself, almost causing Linda to choke on her drink.

"Really?" she said after catching her breath.

"Yes. I had some visions after we spoke and then some dreams this week. I can't remember everything, but there were some vivid um…images." He cleared his throat as his cheeks flamed.

"I see. Well, I'm glad some things came back to you." She tried to hide her embarrassment with her hair. She could only imagine what he'd dreamed about.

They sat in silence for a while, watching the small cherub play quietly in the corner, in his own little world. "I call him Ed mostly" she said softly. Edward chuckled to himself. Emmett had called him 'Eddie'. Wait, what?! Suddenly, he was fuming. He hadn't really remembered him and now he did. Everything assaulted him at once when he thought of being called that hideous nickname. He now knew what had happened before his accident, and he had to get out of there.

"I am terribly sorry, Linda. I have to go." She looked at him, puzzled at his unreadable expression. "Is everything alright?" concern laced her tone. "Of course I want to stay and visit longer, but I'm not feeling so well all of a sudden. Can I come back next Saturday?" he asked as he rose to his feet. Linda stood as well, walking him to the door. "You're welcome here any time, Edward. We would love for you to come back next weekend." He smiled genially. "It's a date then." He cooed as he kissed her cheek and waved at little Ed.

His BMW was pushed to its absolute limit as he sped down the highway. The call to his former secretary had gone better than planned. She too, was now a disgruntled employee, having been canned by none other than that bastard Emmett. She'd explained to him about his promotion and subsequent transfer. Edward had apologized for all she'd gone through and quickly contacted his old friend, Jasper, who was a private investigator.

It had only taken Jasper an hour to get back to Edward with Emmett's location. When Edward snapped his phone shut, he had already left his home and was racing towards the airport at break-neck speeds. His mission was clearly laid out in his head and he was determined to see it through.